March 2022 - Lance Hornecker, CMP, CMM

These Two Often Ring True

Written By: Lance Hornecker, VP of Communications

There is an old saying that there is no “ I” in team, and there is also a classic retort to this saying that yes, but there is a "me". In my volunteer leadership role, these two often ring true.

In full disclosure, I can’t profess to be the world's best leader and I will be the first to say that I have made my share of mistakes.  We all do. That is part of being a member of a team and being human. In my 20+ career as a volunteer with MPI Georgia, I have learned a great many things along my journey. Things that have shaped the way I underact with the people in both my personal & professional life. Allow me to share just a few:

Don't be the smartest person in the room:

Leaders surround themselves with the best people, most of whom are smarter than they are. To grow is to learn, and how can you learn if you don't have smart people around you?

Being a leader sometimes means letting go:

For all of us with tactical mindsets, sometimes it is easier to just do the work yourself. And while that might be the most efficient way, it is not always the best way. People who volunteer want to make a difference and often just need someone to show them a way. Years ago, I learned to let go of the tactical and embrace the strategic. To surrounded myself with people who were smart, and to empower and encourage them.  The results I've seen have come back 3-fold. So, leaders, let it go. Guide your team. Empower them. Allow them to shine.

Holding People Accountable:

Almost EVERYONE who has served on a committee with me has heard me say this. If you commit, then give 100%. While it is easy to think that your volunteer role doesn't pay the bills or feed your family, the long-term result may do just that. How people view and work with you in your volunteer role could lead to long-term relationships, a future sale, better pricing from a supplier, or even the next phase of your career. As leaders, it's our responsibility to keep everyone involved, challenge them, let them interact with each other.

Ask For Help:

We all get busy. Fact of Life. Deadlines creep up, work gets in the way, blah blah blah. The best thing you can do for yourself (hence the ME part) is to lean on your team and don't be afraid to ask for help. On more than one occasion, I have been traveling and have had to pull in some of my chairs to help achieve those deadlines. It's been amazing to me to watch them talk to each other, band together with a common purpose, and get it done. To me, that is the most rewarding part of being a leader.

As a leader, take that big leap, step out of your comfort zone and you will be amazed at the results. You may have a stronger committee, work may be completed at a faster pace, your committee or team will be more open, and you will realize achievements that you never thought would occur.  Bring it full circle - no “I” in the word TEAM, which allows you to focus on the “ME” which will help everyone around you.